
How do you Grow Sweet William Seeds
- Best sown in seed trays or small pots. ...
- Using compost or potting soil, plant the seeds 1-2mm deep ensuring they are covered. ...
- Seeds will take around 1-2 weeks to germinate, ensure they receive plenty of light. ...
- After around-3-4 weeks, the plants should then be large enough to handle. ...
- Once fully grown, sweet william will tolerate much cooler climates. ...
Can you start Sweet William Seeds from seed?
Any plant that can self-seed in the garden is a shoe-in for seed starting success. Before you plant Sweet William seeds, find the ideal location for them. They need full sun and moderately rich, well-drained soil. Sweet William is plagued by a host of fungal diseases in wet, heavy soil.
How do you plant Sweet William succulents?
Sweet William is plagued by a host of fungal diseases in wet, heavy soil. Amend these soils with compost or choose another spot. In hot, Southern climates, plant Sweet William in a place with light shade. Remove any weeds and rocks and till the soil to a depth of 8 inches. Plant Sweet William in summer, after the last frost.
What kind of soil does a sweet william plant need?
They need full sun and moderately rich, well-drained soil. Sweet William is plagued by a host of fungal diseases in wet, heavy soil. Amend these soils with compost or choose another spot.
Can you grow sweet williams from cuttings?
Propagating Sweet William from cuttings is possible. However, because these plants are short-lived, many people simply purchase cold-treated plants during the spring to grow them as annuals. Sweet William is easy to grow from seed, but they don't typically bloom the first year.

When should I start Sweet William seeds indoors?
Starting Seeds Indoors Sweet William flowers can also be started from seeds indoors. This is a great way to get an early start on plants. The best time to start them is 6-8 weeks before the last frost date.
How long does it take Sweet William to flower from seed?
After the seedlings are three inches tall, thin as needed to allow six to 12 inches between plants, depending on the cultivar. Seeds planted after the last frost date will typically flower in their second year. Alternatively, you can sow seeds in early fall, for flowers the following spring.
How do you grow Sweet William seeds UK?
Sprinkle the seed in thinly along the drill and cover up with soil. As they grow, if the plants are crowded, then thin them out to 15cm apart. In the autumn, transplant 30cm apart in to the flowering position. Keep the plants well watered during periods of dry weather and enjoy the beautiful flowers next summer.
Can Sweet William seeds be planted in the fall?
Sweet Williams are a great biennial addition for Spring to Summer bloom with plenty of perfume. Biennials grow the first year and then bloom the second. That is why you can plant them in late Summer/Early Fall to get growing, then they bloom the following Spring.
How do you save sweet William seeds?
Seed Saving: At the end of the season, allow the blossoms to mature and produce seed pods. The pods will turn dry and brown, splitting open on the top when ripe. Shake the pods over a container to remove the seeds, which are tiny black discs. Store the Sweet William seed in a cool, dry place.
Should sweet William be deadheaded?
If you grow sweet William, you will want to deadhead them throughout the course of their blooming season. Deadheading is the act of removing fading blooms from the plant. It does not destroy the flowers, rather it helps promote healthy new blooms according to the National Garden Bureau.
Do Sweet Williams come back every year?
Sweet william is a beautiful, colourful biennial flower that will reseed itself. The plant grows for two years, blooming in the second year.
Can sweet williams be grown in pots?
Dianthus Sweet Williams is perfect for growing in pots and containers due to their compact size. These are grown from the seeds. They can be directly seeded into a flower garden or a container, or seeded indoors for transplanting method.
Do slugs eat sweet williams?
Incredibly, the slugs and snails manage to eat the super spiky leaves of this plant, but leave the flowers alone. The bees absolutely love them! 4. Sweet William.
What do you do with sweet williams in the winter?
Apply a 6-inch layer of very loose, shredded mulch to the ground above the sweet William after all foliage withers and dies. This mulch layer will insulate the plant during the coldest months. Don't pack the mulch tightly but instead, place it loosely above and around the plant directly on top of the dead foliage.
How long does it take for sweet williams to grow?
Sweet William plants are irresistible and colorful. It grows for two years, blooming in the second year. Native to Europe, this colorful, compact plant is grown all over the U.S. Sweet William varieties include perennials and biennials. The perennials are often grown as biennials.
Is sweet William invasive?
The plants do not show any invasive behavior and hence, need to be pruned once in a while.
Will sweet William flower every year?
What are Sweet William's? Sweet william is a beautiful, colourful biennial flower that will reseed itself. The plant grows for two years, blooming in the second year.
Do you cut back sweet williams after flowering?
When the flowers of Sweet William plants have dried, gently cut them off and discard them. This will encourage new blossom growth, and prevent the plant from dropping seeds if you wish to control your garden more closely.
Is sweet William a perennial or an annual?
Dianthus barbatus (Sweet William) is a biennial or short-lived perennial that is often grown as an annual. It thrives in loamy, slightly alkaline soil in sun or partial shade in hot summer climates. The flowers grow in rounded, dense clusters. Colors range from white through intense red and purple, often bicolor.
How tall does sweet William get?
12-24” tallDianthus barbatus, commonly called sweet William, typically grows 12-24” tall and features small flowers held in dense, flat-topped terminal clusters (3-5” wide). Many cultivars are available in commerce, including double-flowered forms as well as some dwarf plants (4-8” tall).
When should I plant Sweet William seeds?
Sweet William seeds are tough enough to survive most winters, and can be planted in fall or late spring to bloom 12 to 18 months later. [2] X Trustworthy Source Missouri Botanical Garden Oldest botanical garden in the U.S. and center for botanical research and science education Go to source.
What kind of soil does Sweet William like?
Sweet William prefers loose, rich soil that is well draining. Water should drain quickly through the soil, and never pool on top of compact, hard soil. Optionally, you may churn up the existing soil and supplement it with potting soil to provide more nutrients.
Why does Sweet William rot?
As with any plant, water more frequently if it appears withered or the soil cracks. Sweet William plants can rot if exposed to too much moisture, so be careful not to over-water. The soil should never feel soggy or contain pools of water.
How to transplant seedlings?
If you are transplanting seedlings, simply transfer the soil around the roots into a hole twice as wide as the soil ball, then refill. Take care not to bury any part of the seedling's stem; the plant should be buried to the same level it was before. ...
How tall is Sweet William?
The poetry of the name fits the pleasant aroma and bright range of possible colors. Full-grown plants reach 12 inches (30 cm) or more in height, depending on variety. Sweet William is easy to grow and maintain, but may need to be replanted after one or two years, since they rarely survive longer.
When do sweet William plants bloom?
Deadhead the blooms. Sweet William plants typically bloom during late spring or early summer, and then lose their flowers to the summer heat. When the flowers of Sweet William plants have dried, gently cut them off and discard them.
When to harvest seeds from a plant?
Harvest new seeds from the plants. In mid to late summer, after the flowers die, they will form dry, brown seed pods. Remove these once the pods are opening up at the end, about to release the seeds. Shake these pods into a container to get out the black, disc-shaped seeds for planting in fall or spring.
How to grow Sweet William?
Plant Sweet William in summer, after the last frost. Sow seeds 3 inches apart and ¼ inch deep. Keep the soil evenly moist. Don’t allow it to dry out while seeds are germinating . Once the seeds germinate and stand 3 inches tall, thin them to at 12 inches apart. As the plants grow, you may have to thin them again.
What is sweet William?
The Sweet William flower ( Dianthus barbatus ), hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 3 through 9, is charming tucked in containers, mixed with other perennials, or as a border in any flower bed. But, before you buy flats of expensive nursery plants, consider growing Sweet William from seed. After all, this short-lived perennial self-sows prolifically under normal garden conditions and will continually regenerate itself from year to year. Any plant that can self-seed in the garden is a shoe-in for seed starting success.
How to grow a sandbox from seed?
Spray the seeds with water from a spray bottle and cover the trays with plastic wrap. Check them daily to make sure the gravel is slightly moist and water as needed. Once the seeds germinate, take off the plastic wrap and set the tray in full sun.
Can you plant Sweet William seeds in the garden?
Sweet William plants needs plenty of air circulation so don’t overcrowd them. Sweet William seeds sown directly in the garden won’t bloom the first year. Don’t give up on them though. Come next spring, you’ll have prolific blooms. You may also sow Sweet William seeds in containers and pots in summer.
How to Grow Sweet William From Seed
Family: Caryophyllaceae Binomial name: Dianthus barbatus Life Cycle: Biennial, usually grown as an annual
When to Sow Sweet William Seeds
Sweet William can be grown year-round in most climates. Avoid planting in extremely hot or cold weather which can affect germination and growth. Use the table below to identify the best time of year to sow Sweet William in your climate.
Preparation
Sweet William plants are best grown in full sun. Choose a location that will receive at least 6 hours of full sun each day.
How to Sow Sweet William Seeds
Sweet William seeds do not require any treatment (eg soaking, stratification) before sowing.
How to Grow Sweet William
Sweet William plants may need watering during the growing season. Water when the soil is dry about 5cm below the surface (test this by scratching away a little soil with your finger). Water deeply in the early morning or late afternoon. Avoid watering the leaves of plants to avoid fungal diseases. Learn more about watering here.
Common Problems when Growing Sweet William
Like all plants, Sweet William is susceptible to some pests, diseases and other problems. Below is a list of the most common problems gardeners encounter when growing Sweet William plants:
How to grow Sweet William?from gardeningchannel.com
Plant Sweet William in summer, after the last frost. Sow seeds 3 inches apart and ¼ inch deep. Keep the soil evenly moist. Don’t allow it to dry out while seeds are germinating . Once the seeds germinate and stand 3 inches tall, thin them to at 12 inches apart. As the plants grow, you may have to thin them again.
How big does Sweet William grow?from gardeningchannel.com
Sweet William grows slowly, but eventually can grow 3 feet high and 2 feet wide. Sweet William plants needs plenty of air circulation so don’t overcrowd them. Sweet William seeds sown directly in the garden won’t bloom the first year. Don’t give up on them though. Come next spring, you’ll have prolific blooms.
How to grow a sandbox from seed?from gardeningchannel.com
Spray the seeds with water from a spray bottle and cover the trays with plastic wrap. Check them daily to make sure the gravel is slightly moist and water as needed. Once the seeds germinate, take off the plastic wrap and set the tray in full sun.
What is sweet William?from gardeningchannel.com
The Sweet William flower ( Dianthus barbatus ), hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 3 through 9, is charming tucked in containers, mixed with other perennials, or as a border in any flower bed. But, before you buy flats of expensive nursery plants, consider growing Sweet William from seed. After all, this short-lived perennial self-sows prolifically under normal garden conditions and will continually regenerate itself from year to year. Any plant that can self-seed in the garden is a shoe-in for seed starting success.
When do sweet Williams bloom?from thespruce.com
Under the correct conditions, these biennials can bloom from May through to October in their flowering year . Their bright range of colors includes reds, pinks, whites, purples, and variegates. Some flowers are fragrant, but many cultivars are scentless. Their fringed and bearded petals are what give them their alternative "bearded pink" name.
Can sweet William tolerate shade?from thespruce.com
Unless you live in a hot Southern region, Sweet William appreciates a full sun position. They can tolerate light shade, but too much shade results in leggy, floppy plants. In hot regions, some afternoon shade is a good to help prolong the bloom time.
Can sweet William survive frost?from thespruce.com
For a flowering plant, Sweet William is relatively cold-hardy. It can survive light frosts, but deep freezes will result in the plant dying down. This species doesn't do well with high humidity, and temperatures above 85° Farhenheit can result in dormancy.
When to Plant Sweet William Seeds
Sweet Williams are biennials and can be planted in late Spring after danger of frost has passed or Fall. You will get blooms during the second year after planting.
Where to Plant Sweet William Seeds
Sweet Williams do best in 4-5 hours of full sun each day. They can be directly sown or started indoors. Plant in well-draining soil that is slightly alkaline (pH 6.75).
How to Plant Sweet William Seeds
Sweet William seeds require light to germinate, so be careful not to cover them when planting. Learn more about germination light requirements here.
How to Care for Sweet William
They do not need a lot of water- except in hot months. Soaker hoses are best. Do not over water as this can cause yellow foliage.
How to keep sweet Williams blooming?
To keep your Sweet Williams blooming you will need to deadhead them. Watch as the flowers begin to fade and pinch or cut back the stem to half of its growing height. These are my favorite snips for jobs like this.
Do sweet Williams like sun?
Sweet Williams prefers full sun but will tolerate light shade. They tend to grow taller and get a bit floppy if they get too much shade so if this occurs just plant in a sunnier spot the next time. The caveat to this is if you are in the South with hot summer temps, they will do a bit better with some afternoon shade.
Do sweet Williams flowers perfume?
Sweet Williams will perfume your garden, that is the main reason why I grow them. Many traditional cottage garden flowers are sweetly scented. For more scented flowers for your garden here is an entire post dedicated to flowers to grow for a scented garden . Adding scent to your garden adds another level of enjoyment.
Are Sweet Williams a Perennial?
Sweet Williams are a great biennial addition for Spring to Summer bloom with plenty of perfume. Biennials grow the first year then bloom the second. That is why you can plant in late Summer/Early Fall to get growing, then they bloom the following Spring.
How long does it take for sweet William to grow?
They are considered biennials, meaning they can take up to two years to grow or be short-lived perennial.
When to buy Sweet William flowers?
The Sweet William flowers can be purchased as seeds or as a plant at most garden centers and nurseries in the spring or fall.
What is sweet William?
There are many beautiful flowers out there in the world, but few as sweet as Dianthus barbatus (aka Sweet William flowers). These flowers are perfect for anyone who wants to create a garden that is both fragrant and lush. If you are looking for a flower that is easy to grow, has beautiful flowers, and smells nice too, then Sweet William is the flower for you. With these simple instructions, you will be able to grow this stunning flower in your backyard with ease!
Why is it important to keep sweet William flowers away from other plants?
It's important that you keep your sweet William flowers away from other plants or soil that might have been contaminated by nematodes in order to grow healthy, beautiful flowers.
What causes Sweet William to die?
Sweet William can be prone to Nematodes. Nematodes are worm-like parasites that can cause damage to the roots and leaves. The nematodes will cause the plant to lose its roots and it may die in severe cases. Sweet William flowers, while beautiful, are also quite rustic.
How many seasons does it take for Sweet William to bloom?
Sweet William flowers are biennials so it will take two seasons before you will get blooms.
What does a sweet William flower smell like?
The Sweet William flower has a sweet, spicy scent like that of a clove. Sweet William flowers have five petals with serrated edges. They grow in clusters with wide green lance-shaped leaves and the flowers can be single or double blooms. Sweet William colors can range from white to pale pink, red, and purple.
How long does it take for a sage plant to transplant?
Transplant (recommended) - Sow 6-8 weeks before last frost. Lightly press seed into growing medium. Transplant into cell packs or 3-4" containers 20-25 days after sowing. Harden off and transplant out 6-8 weeks after sowing. Cool temperatures of 50-55°F (10-13°C) are required to keep the plants low growing and basal branching. Avoid warm temperatures in excess of 65°F (18°C), especially at night, which will product soft growth. Direct seed - Early spring when a light frost is still possible.
Can you use pelleted seed for bedding?
Also makes a lovely bedding plant. PELLETED SEED: If using pelleted seed, we recommend consistent soil moisture during the germination period. Pelleted seed must be kept cool and dry prior to planting, and should be used within one year of purchase. SCIENTIFIC NAME: Dianthus spp.

Cultivation
- Find out when your Sweet William will bloom. Due to the multiple varieties of Sweet William and the different methods of growing them, you may hear conflicting information on when your flowers will grow and how long they will last. Biennial varieties bloom in their second year, and then die. Perennial varieties are supposed to regrow flowers year after year, but Sweet Willia…
- Acquire a growing plant if you want to see flowers within a year. If you want your Sweet Willia…
Symptoms
Culture
Preparation
Prevention
- Once the seeds germinate and stand 3 inches tall, thin them to at 12 inches apart. As the plants grow, you may have to thin them again. Sweet William grows slowly, but eventually can grow 3 feet high and 2 feet wide. Sweet William plants needs plenty of air circulation so dont overcrowd them.
Writing
- Give your Sweet William plants a dose of all-purpose fertilizer every 6 to 8 weeks during the growing season. Cut them back if they become unruly or cut the fragrant blooms and bring them indoors. Sweet William plants attract butterflies, bees and hummingbirds, making them a welcome addition to any perennial bed.